- 1 year ago
GU content editor Danielle Wright chats with Bleu about his rise in social media, Houston night life, and setting the creator's house stage on fire.
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00:00So you've given us iconic moments, but we have to talk about your hell yeah moment.
00:05Oh my God.
00:07Because that really took off into a world of its own.
00:11Yeah. You know what hell yeah. Yeah.
00:16Did you think that all these like brands and just like reuses of the audio would go crazy on TikTok?
00:23I'm not gonna lie. Like the original video, because it was kind of like so risque, I was like,
00:29Oh, it ain't gonna be another girl. Then I literally woke up the next day and we was already like at like 3.2 million views.
00:35And I was like, okay, well, this is tea. And then one thing led to the next girl.
00:39That sound started trending on the TikTok chart. It just, it was, it, that sound, I would say kind of changed my life.
00:45But the life that I was living was already tea. But girl, it definitely added a little extra flavor.
00:49What is up GU? It is your content editor, Danielle, right here.
00:53And I'm so, so, so excited because we have our official host for a creator's house and kickback at this year's festival, Frankie Blue.
01:02Period, period, period.
01:03I am so excited, Frankie, that you're going to be working with us. We actually worked together briefly at Houston.
01:11Yeah, it was so good.
01:13Literally so good.
01:16Let me tell you, Frankie is the fashion doll. So I know he's going to pull up with the looks.
01:21You got it.
01:22I was literally just thinking about this yesterday. I was like, girl, what am I going to wear?
01:26I have to give it, but I got something nasty in my eye.
01:29Oh, okay, okay. Hopefully some rich etiquette.
01:32Girl, look, that's what I was thinking. But look, see, I have to pull the stops out for this one, girl, but we're going to see.
01:38Period. I'm excited. All right, so let's get started.
01:42So Frankie, today I want to talk to you all about your journey being from Houston, content creation, and what's next for you at festivals.
01:50So let's get into it. You have built such a strong digital presence.
01:56When did you realize content creation was the path for you?
01:59Girl, honestly, it realized me, to be honest.
02:02It was kind of like a thing where I was having this conversation with one of my best friends the other day, and it was like, girl, it's just so crazy.
02:08People think that it's kind of like a personality or like it's an online persona, but it's just like, girl, no, this is literally me.
02:14I just pick up the phone and start recording.
02:16So I was like, hey, might as well get paid while I'm acting a fool.
02:18And, you know, I feel inclined to tell the people that this is authentically you.
02:26Like, this is not a persona.
02:27This is Frankie, real Frankie, and I just, I love it.
02:31And I think, I feel like Houston really gets to experience you and how amazing and fun and talented and authentic you are.
02:40And I'm so excited that the world finally gets to see this side of you.
02:44Yes.
02:44I'm just so proud.
02:47I feel so good.
02:48For sure.
02:49So you've given us iconic moments, but we have to talk about your hell yeah moment.
02:54Oh my God.
02:56Because that really took off into a world of its own.
03:00Yeah.
03:02You know what, hell yeah.
03:05Yeah.
03:05Did you think that all these, like, brands and just, like, reuses of the audio would go crazy on TikTok?
03:12I'm not going to lie.
03:13Like, the original video, because it was kind of, like, so risque, I was like, oh, it ain't going to be another girl.
03:20Then I literally woke up the next day and we were already, like, at, like, 3.2 million views.
03:24And I was like, okay, well, this is T.
03:27And then one thing linked to the next girl.
03:28The sound started trending on the TikTok chart.
03:31It just, it was, it, that sound, I would say, kind of changed my life.
03:34But the life that I was living was already T.
03:37But, girl, it definitely added a little extra flavor.
03:39Love it.
03:40Love it.
03:40I think I saw Mac had used it and I was like, oh, Frankie is on.
03:45Okay.
03:46Girl, literally, when I saw, like, I think it was Chipotle.
03:48Which, when they, when they kind of, like, pulled it out and they was like, hey, we think we want to use your sound.
03:54And this is what we're offering.
03:55I was like, hey, baby, have at it.
03:57It's all yours.
03:58Okay.
03:58It's all yours.
04:00Love it.
04:00Love it.
04:01So, I want to get back to talking a little bit about Houston.
04:06How has the city kind of influenced you or impact you to be the person that you are today?
04:14I would say Houston definitely, like, I wouldn't say, I don't know if mode is the correct word, but it definitely, like, added a little water onto my clay to help, you know, build the foundation.
04:26It's been very accepting.
04:27Like, honestly, this city has truly really changed my life.
04:30I've been here 10 years now.
04:33So, honestly, it's, like, it's home.
04:35Like, it's my roots a little bit.
04:37Like, this is where I feel like I, you know, I became, like, a woman.
04:40You know what I'm saying?
04:41Like, it really kind of really helped me blossom.
04:45And the city is just so filled with culture.
04:47It's rich in all aspects of, like, my walks of life, anybody's walks of life.
04:52And it's just comfortable at the end of the day.
04:54Love it.
04:55Love it.
04:56As a fellow Houstonian myself, I can definitely attest to that.
05:00I feel like Houston is such a rich city full of creatives and influencers and just so many talented people.
05:09So much.
05:09I think about kind of, like, you know, like, you, Nandi, me, Tori, and how we kind of, like, really kind of made our start in the city and now are literally taking over.
05:21Like, taking over.
05:23Like, flooding.
05:24Like, flooding.
05:25I like that.
05:26Flooding.
05:27So, speaking of Houston, I feel like the nightlife has definitely contributed to your rise.
05:35How would you describe Houston nightlife?
05:37And what is the ultimate, like, Houston night?
05:41Like, how would you describe that?
05:42So, to describe it, charismatic and never-ending.
05:50My ultimate night, I'm going to probably say, girl, it's got to be Seaside.
05:56Like, I love that place.
05:58And then, so, like, my new little routine now, I go to this, I go to Seaside from, because that stops at midnight.
06:03And then, I leave there, and I go to this place called Bob Kitty, and it just makes me feel like New York.
06:09Like, I just be in there just, you know, doing one, girl, rubbing my chest, having me a few little times.
06:15So, that's been, like, my ultimate go-to right now.
06:18Love it.
06:18Love it.
06:19So, now I kind of want to get into the fashion, because fashion and design has really been a part of your identity for so long.
06:28So, like, even going back to when we first worked together, you know, we kind of brought you on to help style the models that we were doing for our spring, I think it was our spring issue at Houstonia, and you absolutely killed it.
06:43So, I want to ask, like, what made you want to get into that aspect and also incorporate that into your content?
06:51It really just kind of started naturally, honestly.
06:54I was, like, I would always make pieces, like, when I was getting ready to go out, and, like, so, when I stopped, I ended up stop styling, kind of had, like, an abrupt haul, and I was, like, I need to figure something out.
07:05And I think that's when I was, like, well, let me do, see what this content thing is hitting on, if it's hot, if it's not, what can it do?
07:10And I just started, like, doing stuff that I do day-to-day.
07:13So, fashion, of course, is my day-to-day, and I was, like, well, let me just record this, record me making something, and I saw, like, a little inspo pic that I wanted to make.
07:20I was, like, well, let me just see what it's giving, and it gave, girl, and I was just, like, you know, this is something good, because I wanted to show, it's, like, hard being a jack-of-all-trades and being able to do everything and being so well-rounded when it comes to being able to create and being a creator overall.
07:33So, the aspect of it just kind of, like, let me showcase it in a way that still, like, resonates with my audience and its niches that they like to get to.
07:40So, that's how I just, it was like a natural marriage, almost, just kind of, like, molding it to what they want to see or how they want to see it.
07:47For sure.
07:47Sometimes it's, like, when I'm watching your videos, I think, I could do that, but then realistically, I'm like, I could do that.
07:54And literally, that's the part that I love.
07:56Like, as long as you can feel like you can do it, you got that little thought, my job is well done.
08:01Love it.
08:02And speaking of designing, you also have your own brand called Rich Etiquette.
08:07So, let's talk about, yes, let's talk about that a little bit.
08:11How did that brand come together from the name to the pieces that you designed?
08:16Like, how would you describe the creative direction behind it?
08:20So, literally, I'm never told how I really came up with that's rich.
08:25So, girl, I was literally downtown, drunk as a skunk, leaving a party.
08:28And one, I was going, like, walking past.
08:32It's a little after hours for my community, and it's called Hamburger Mary's.
08:36So, we was downtown Hamburger Mary's, and it was my best friend and I, and I was walking by, and a homeless lady was, like, saying something.
08:43She was, you think you so cute with your ragdoll fashions.
08:45I was, like, well, girl, that's rich coming from you laying on the side of the road.
08:49I like that.
08:51And then, ever since, we just, I see her often.
08:54So, I, like, literally, to give her food.
08:56Like, I literally just saw her today on the same post because I was living in a restaurant.
08:59Like, bought her some food.
09:00Like, that's my girl.
09:01And we say all the time, I was like, girl, ain't that rich?
09:03She was, that's rich.
09:04And that's literally how I came up with that.
09:05So, I kind of, rich etiquette came because, like, I started, once I ended up doing the fashion, I was, like, giving girls tips on dating and how to spot a man with the coins, et cetera, like that.
09:19So, I was, like, you know, this is rich, but I need to give it a word.
09:22And that's, it's etiquette.
09:23So, I was, ooh, rich etiquette, girl.
09:25And it just works.
09:27Love it.
09:28Love it.
09:28It's kind of, like, everything kind of, like, came together piece by piece, literally.
09:32Brick by brick, girl.
09:33And when it's supposed to happen, it blows my mind.
09:35It literally blows my mind.
09:37So, something exciting that you're gearing up to do is you're kind of going on, like, this mini tour with Ken the Man.
09:44And I don't know if you've ever kind of talked about this outwardly, but how did that sort of bond happen between you and her?
09:55So, Ken and I, that's my girl.
09:56I love her so much.
09:58That we, our first time meeting was through one of our other mutual friends named Ken.
10:02And it was also on a photo shoot.
10:03It was for her, a remix that she did.
10:06I cannot think of it right now.
10:08I know the song, but I don't remember what we called it.
10:09I think we called it Uh-Oh.
10:11And it was for that.
10:12We did the cover art.
10:13We hated it.
10:14Me and Ken got into it on the set.
10:16It was just, like, whatever.
10:17So, but we kept on going.
10:19And we kept on doing shoots.
10:20And then we kind of just ended, did it.
10:24It happened naturally where we just stopped working with each other professionally.
10:27Like, in that aspect, at least.
10:29Like, we met her stylist and creative director.
10:30But we still pitched each other ideas.
10:32But that just kind of stopped.
10:34And not even on purpose, but kind of by acting because we just became good friends.
10:38And we were just like, girl, okay, hey.
10:40And then we just started doing stuff back and forth.
10:42She's always been supportive of my career.
10:44Clearly, girl.
10:44So, it just, that's how it happened on a photo shoot.
10:47And, girl, we just kept it going from there.
10:49Love it.
10:50Love it.
10:50Funny enough, we actually had Ken the Man perform at our first Creator's House.
10:55So, I think that this is kind of, like, full circle.
10:57That is, like, both have your own moment at festival with GU.
11:02So, speaking of GU, you are our official host for both Ken the Man and Creator's House.
11:07How are you feeling about that?
11:08Girl, like, when we got that email, my manager was like, hey, so, Essence is trying to get you to host something.
11:14I was like, okay, cool.
11:15But when we got out of the car, we, like, went through the details.
11:17I was like, oh, so, this is like a hosting hosting.
11:20Like, girl, this is on my way to the Met Red Carpet, no tea.
11:23So, I was beyond excited.
11:25Especially with the history that I have there with you and Nandi.
11:28It was just, oh, girl, makes me emotional a little bit.
11:31Just, like, seeing all of this.
11:32Even, like, sitting here talking to you in this capacity right now.
11:35And when we had that conversation, when we wrapped the shoot and you were telling me your dreams.
11:38And, like, sitting here seeing you do it.
11:41It's just, like, so, like, literally, like, wait a second, girl.
11:46Like, we did this a little bit.
11:48And it's just literally, it's an honor.
11:50It's truly an honor.
11:51And I could not be more excited to do my, like, first real deal one-two with nobody other than home, honestly.
11:56Every year we think about who do we want to host.
11:59And last year we had J. Mulan, and she literally knocked it out the park.
12:04And so, this year we were, like, oh, my God.
12:06Like, who are we going to get?
12:08And the first name I thought of, Frankie.
12:11Like, I feel like you've had such a tremendous rise in such a short amount of time.
12:17And I feel like you know how to work a crowd.
12:20And I have no doubts that the crowd is not going to be jumping with you on stage.
12:24So, I'm beyond excited about that.
12:27So, excited.
12:28So, for my next couple questions, I kind of want to talk a little bit about being a creator and kind of advice to the creators that are going to be on the ground.
12:35Because a lot of our attendees, they want to become influencers.
12:39They want to, you know, figure out how they can have their own viral moment, right?
12:44As a rising creative, what is something that you've learned through your journey from going viral to forming relationships?
12:52Growth structure.
12:54I cannot stress enough.
12:56I literally wrote the e-book on it on how to, on making sure that your social media is structured.
13:01The one thing that I really appreciate, I guess, was, like, my journey with it and kind of, like, rising fame was that I always had bullet points of where somebody else could, like, see more of me or see exactly what I do, how to interact or support.
13:16However they wanted to do, I had structure.
13:18So, that's the one thing.
13:20And that's with anything, whether you want to be an influencer, whether you want to be a doctor or a nurse, you have to have some type.
13:25You have to have, I call them bullet points, which I feel like are, like, revisit moments to, like, wherever you want to move to get ahead.
13:32Just to, like, stay on path.
13:34Just structure.
13:34I cannot stretch structure enough.
13:37Mm-hmm.
13:38Love it.
13:39Love it.
13:40So, one thing about you, you know, you're very active online.
13:44You have a really big personality.
13:47And not only are you sharing it within your group, but you're kind of sharing it with the world now.
13:52How do you find moments to kind of, like, protect your peace while still being online?
13:58Controlling your narrative, honestly.
14:04Like, the stories that I tell and the things that I tell, of course, are so inviting.
14:10So, it can make someone feel very prone to that pure socialism, which is okay.
14:18And a lot of people need that.
14:19So, it's just still, I don't, and that's such a, always a tough question to answer because I kind of jade the two without purposely blurring them.
14:30Because I, my online person is me.
14:33So, it's like, how do I do it?
14:36But I just do it.
14:37You know, like, even when people come up to me, we take pictures, we do, et cetera.
14:40They want their little mini advices right there, girl.
14:42I give it to them.
14:43But I guess, I guess, knowing the solitude of, like, what I'm doing right now, like, when I'm in my own home, in my own dominion, it's mine.
14:50And then when I know what I'm from that side, I'm Frankie Blue and Full Throttle, you know?
14:54So, I kind of think that's where I'm able to separate the two.
14:58Love it.
14:59Love it.
14:59So, winding down to my last two questions, overall, how does it feel to sort of be on this next wave of Black Internet culture?
15:11Like, I feel like we're seeing this new wave of influencers, this new wave of creators.
15:18And I truly believe that you're at the top of that chain.
15:22So, how does it feel to kind of, like, be ushered in as, like, this new class, if you will?
15:28Sacred.
15:30No pun intended, girl.
15:31But sacred.
15:32But sacred.
15:33It feels like because we're in, like, I don't know.
15:38I literally was having a conversation with myself the other day, and, like, out of the blue, The Revolution Is Being Televised came on.
15:44I think that's Kendrick Lamar or whatever song it is.
15:46And I was like, ooh, that's rich.
15:49Because I really feel like that is what we're, not only what the world is going through, but us as Black individuals, and especially creators, reclaiming our time, reclaiming our moment, reclaiming who we are, what is ours.
16:01It just feels so sacred and important.
16:04And to be a part of that, I feel like, in just a little way that I do pitch into it, it's undeniable.
16:10I can't, I wouldn't change it for the world.
16:12It's an honor.
16:13I'm grateful to be able to offer what I can to what I can.
16:17Yeah, for sure.
16:18Love it.
16:19So, winding down to my last question for you, Frankie, there are going to be a lot of attendees on the ground that's going to want to connect with you, take pictures with you, or any, you know, creator for that matter.
16:30What is your advice to them about approaching you or just approaching other creators in real life?
16:39Just, I mean, read the room and just kind of, like, maintain that.
16:42You can see a boundary.
16:43Always, I think a lot of, me especially, I love taking the pictures.
16:47I love giving the hugs.
16:49I love to exchange their energy because you just never know what people need.
16:54So, that one little hug could probably save them from their 13th reason, literally.
16:58And, you know, taking things a little further than it needs to be.
17:01So, always, I am always open.
17:04But, you know, just read the room.
17:05If somebody don't want to be touched a different way or if they don't want a hug or just simply just ask if you're not sure.
17:10But, girl, me, come on.
17:11Let's get to it.
17:12Get to it.
17:13Love it.
17:14Well, thank you so much, Frankie, for chatting with GU today.
17:17And you can catch Frankie at Creators House and Kickback this year at Essence Festival of Culture.
17:22Until next time.